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Hello,I'm going to buy a new piano. I have made a lot of search and finally I decided for Casio Celviano AP-620. I appreciate its look, sound, accompaniments, and other gadgets but sorry to say I have not seen it live - only on the internet.In the local music store I was told to buy something else such as Yamaha, Roland mainly due to reliability. It does not sell Casio at all.I will buy it online.Do you have any experience with this DP?Do you think it is a good choice for an adult? I will use it only for home performances, daily excercises, not for studying classical music.It will be placed in a quite large living room so 2 x 30 Watts speakers are good.Do you think that this instrument will last 5 years at least? I mean keyboard especially.Do you think that keyboard issues are matter of the past as far as Casio is concerned?

Regarding reliability, here in Australia Casio provide a 5 year warranty. (I have not read the conditions of the warranty yet, but assuming there's nothing adverse, this seems like a very good warranty)

I am in the middle of a similar decision. My focus is around Roland HP 305, Kawai CA 63 or Casio AP 620. And as you, I will be able to test play the Roland and Kawai, but not the Casio. From the specs and also from the price, I might prefer the Casio too, also, there are fairly good reviews in two German magazines. In seveal online shops, you can order with a 30-days-money-back garantuee, I still hesitate, in a couple of weeks I will test play again and then decide, what I do.

There are two links, that might help you:

A brief review including sound demos ( the complete review you can only find in the paper issue ), translated from German by google:

Thanks for the links. They are very useful and I have already decided to buy AP-620. I will order it tomorrow. There is a shop nearby - but only online- offering good price, 30 days money back and 3 years warranty.

The link on youtube you sent is well known. The guy says something like "that is phenomenal at this price range". It was in connection with dynamic range of the instrument as a result of the four level sampling.

I recently embarked on the journey of finding a digital piano for my wife for her birthday. She plays by ear and learned to play on a traditional upright piano; so it was important for me to find something with a realistic key/hammer feel. She also likes to utilize many of the features that a digital piano offers (tones).. so I wanted to make sure there were plenty of options that she can grow with. She also likes to play loud and sing, so I needed to be sure it had enough volume while maintaining a clean sound. And last but not least, a sharp cabinet that will enhance our home was also an important consideration.

I had a preconceived notion that Yamaha and Roland pianos were the two best and that only those brands would do. After looking for a few weeks, I was "set" on buying the Yamaha YDPV240... even though the cabinet was just "OK" (it looked kinda cheap). I went to a local store and tried it out and loved it, but still had that hesitation because it just didn’t seem to be worth $1,800 when I could pay a little more for a better quality piano.

A "little more $" kept adding up though and I really wanted to stay down around $1,500. During my reading, I ran across this discussion thread and several more that covered the Casio AP620. I watched a few YouTube video demos on it, read the specs and long story short, I went out on a limb and ordered the Casio AP620 for my wife.

I made the right decision by a mile! My wife absolutely loves everything about the new AP620. And the black cabinet looks fabulous in our home (the case is one of the best I have seen on the pianos I looked at under $5k).

The feel is impressive and slightly heavier than the V240 and is very realistic when compared to a traditional piano. The sound is amazing with the 4 speaker system (2 underneath and 2 on top facing the player). The highs are crisp while the lows will vibrate the room like a true bass string. The sound fills our 3,500 sq. ft. home with a beautiful tone… the sound has impressed me the most. The interface was very easy to figure out and in a couple hours she was combining tones, and doing other things that I don’t even understand.

Anyway, I just wanted to come back here and share my journey in case you are considering these two pianos. Best of luck in your search!

I've had one since mid-December and I'm very pleased with it. I did get some external monitors but I think that most DPs need them. There are a couple of threads talking about that now that you have probably seen.

I've had one since mid-December and I'm very pleased with it. I did get some external monitors but I think that most DPs need them. There are a couple of threads talking about that now that you have probably seen.

Glad to hear it.

I would probably consider purchasing the M-Audio BX5a speakers if needed. It is my understanding that I could just plug them into my DP and go. Pretty good reviews.

I have been searching for an EP for a month now. My neighbor suggested me to look into the Casio AP 620. I was at a local store the other day, the salesperson recommeneded the Yamaha YDP181 to me. I believe the Casio is $200 cheaper than the Yamaha.

Based on the specification, Casio has more features than Yamaha and it even comes with an adjustable bench. Actually, I don't care much for most of the features as I am just a beginner and it will take me years before I will know and learn all the features anyway.

What I care most is the key action and response that will give me a close to acoustic piano experience. Also, I would like to know which one will give me lesser maintenace/ repair headache.

The AP-620 is $1,399 and the YDP-181 is $1,599 and their price are fixed in couple of the local stores but these stores don't have the Clavinova line.

The only company has 3 locations in my area that carrries the Clavinova line only list the MSRP. I easily feel intimated by salespersons. Just wonder if you happen to know what is the price point of the CLP-330. It will help me a lot before walking in the store.

LAX: The prices on the high-end Yamahas (and other brands) are set by negotiation.Whatever the retail price is ... don't pay that.Whatever the "reduced" price or "sale" price is tagged on the piano ... don't pay that.

Instead, check the prices paid thread on this forum.

Or look at pianobuyer.com, with prices in the appendix section. Expect to reduce the "MSRP" price by 40% or so, and make an offer.

I have been searching for an EP for a month now. My neighbor suggested me to look into the Casio AP 620. I was at a local store the other day, the salesperson recommeneded the Yamaha YDP181 to me. I believe the Casio is $200 cheaper than the Yamaha.

Based on the specification, Casio has more features than Yamaha and it even comes with an adjustable bench. Actually, I don't care much for most of the features as I am just a beginner and it will take me years before I will know and learn all the features anyway.

What I care most is the key action and response that will give me a close to acoustic piano experience. Also, I would like to know which one will give me lesser maintenace/ repair headache.

Thanks for your suggestions/comments in advance.

LAX,I believe there is a Yahama Arius 161 priced around the Casio AP-620. The 181 is priced higher. I would go with the Yahama over the Casio as the actions seem much more reliable and less problematic. The current lineup from Casio seems to exhibit keys that become loose and wobbly. There is a lot more side to side play in the Casios. This seems to plague their entire line of current models. There have been quite a few complaints about the Casio keybeds. Casio has been replacing defective keybeds for customers but it is an obvious area of concern. The AP-620 is a very nice piano and is loaded with features. It is pretty much a PX-330 in a nicer cabinet with a higher wattage amp and more speakers. If you're thinking about the Clavinova line, be prepared to open up your wallet. If you're just starting out, the Arius line is more than adequate. Just my 2 cents.

I have been searching for an EP for a month now. My neighbor suggested me to look into the Casio AP 620. I was at a local store the other day, the salesperson recommeneded the Yamaha YDP181 to me. I believe the Casio is $200 cheaper than the Yamaha.

Based on the specification, Casio has more features than Yamaha and it even comes with an adjustable bench. Actually, I don't care much for most of the features as I am just a beginner and it will take me years before I will know and learn all the features anyway.

What I care most is the key action and response that will give me a close to acoustic piano experience. Also, I would like to know which one will give me lesser maintenace/ repair headache.

Thanks for your suggestions/comments in advance.

LAX,I believe there is a Yahama Arius 161 priced around the Casio AP-620. The 181 is priced higher. I would go with the Yahama over the Casio as the actions seem much more reliable and less problematic. The current lineup from Casio seems to exhibit keys that become loose and wobbly. There is a lot more side to side play in the Casios. This seems to plague their entire line of current models. There have been quite a few complaints about the Casio keybeds. Casio has been replacing defective keybeds for customers but it is an obvious area of concern. The AP-620 is a very nice piano and is loaded with features. It is pretty much a PX-330 in a nicer cabinet with a higher wattage amp and more speakers. If you're thinking about the Clavinova line, be prepared to open up your wallet. If you're just starting out, the Arius line is more than adequate. Just my 2 cents.

Galaxy4t,

I read from another forum someone managed to get a CLP-330 for $1,800. If I can get the same deal, should I get the CLP-330 or just stick with the YDP-181 for $1,599?

LAX,There are always deals to be had, and if you have the budget, and can afford it, go for it. If you could get a Clavinova for $300 over an Arias, it's a no brainer, just be sure it is the one for you. Keep in mind that all digitals have flaws, even the more expensive ones. The most important thing is key action which you have to decide for yourself what feels good to you. This is often difficult for a beginner to judge.